Category: The Arizona Justice Project

Civil rights exist as a symbol of a country’s maturity. There are many organizations in the United States that focus on civil rights. Most private organizations exist to promote a specific cause. Immigration rights are a touchy subject in the United States right now because the left and right wing are very split on how to deal with the issue.

Organizations try to promote meaningful discussion. This is because opening up a dialogue may help to bridge the gap between those that want to deport certain immigrants and those that want them to stay in the United States.

National Network for Immigration and Refugee Rights

The National Network for Immigration and Refugee Rights was founded in 1986. The grassroots organization creates awareness of immigration issues. The organization is currently trying to push back on the wave of populist xenophobia that has recently taken hold in the United States. They want to create broader alliances with other nations. This group covers a broad range of different subjects on their website. They are trying to fight against new legislation that is being written to crack down on sanctuary cities.

They invite everyone to get involved by signing up through their website. Website users can sign a petition that will end the detention of asylum seekers. They can participate in projects. Their website also states that they offer education modules and internships.

Lacey and Larkin Frontera Fund

The Lacey and Larkin Frontera Fund exists because of a legal settlement. Michael Lacey and Jim Larkin are two journalists that worked for the Village Voice.

They were cuffed and jailed by Maricopa County sheriff Joe Arpaio. Arpaio has been in the news numerous times for his aggressive stances on illegal immigration. He is also known for running a jail known in the area as Tent City.

They were jailed and released within 24 hours. Joe Arpaio recently lost his reelection bid as sheriff, so it is likely that his individual actions will no longer have an effect on the citizens of Maricopa County.

The Frontera Fund donates money to benefit Hispanic civil rights and causes. They support a total of 29 different organizations. Among these are Justice That Works and The Arizona Justice Project. Justice That Works focuses on infrastructural reform within the prison system. The organization believes that the system is set up to create criminals.